Water Polo team closes out regular season
By Hector Trujillo
The Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) varsity men’s water polo team closes out the 2026 regular season with three matches in hopes of propelling them to a successful postseason.
The Falcons went undefeated in league play in 2025, but lost 15 seniors, which has forced changes and adaptations that come with a new roster.
“We’re in a much more difficult league with much tougher teams,” said head coach Brad Oestreich. “We are working through the rotation of a normal high school.”
Scripps Ranch High star-ted off the season competing in the Mt. Miguel Invite with an 11-6 loss to Otay Ranch on Sept. 4 which was followed by a defeat against Olympian High on Sept. 5 by a score of 8-5. The Falcons would get their first win of the season
later that same day with an 18-9 victory over San Pasqual High.
Scripps Ranch High did not play again until Sept. 23 when it fell 19-10 to Clairemont High before defeating San Pasqual High 14-9 in the rematch on Sept. 25.
“The league games are tough, and I am hopeful for our tournament games togive us a couple of extra wins,” Oestreich said.
Scripps Ranch suffered three straight losses to El Capitan High, Santa Fe Christian and Hilltop High, with the last two coming by a single goal. The Falcons did not face a league opponent until Oct. 16 when the team squared off with Canyon Hills High.
SRHS has gotten impressive play this year from its goalie and senior captain Daniel Bernaba, alongside fellow captains Luke Lastomirsky and junior Micah Upton, with great performances by freshman Hanson Tran as well.
Scripps Ranch plays its next two games versus La Jolla Country Day on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Tuesday, Oct. 27, before the regular season finale at home against Francis Parker High on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The Falcons did not face La Jolla Country Day last season. The last time the Falcons faced Francis Parker High was on Sept. 5, 2025, with the Lancers coming out on top 10-4.